Monders triumph in Premier C return, CYs hold off Hoers

Ormond kick-started their campaign back in Premier C with a comprehensive 57-point victory over PEGS at EE Gunn Reserve. The Monders trailed by four points at the first break but ran away in the second with a match-winning eight goals to one. Captain Tom Buckley was outstanding with four goals for the Monders, while Matthew Oaten and Tim Blackburn were named their side’s best. Adrian Romanyk picked up where he left off last year as Division 1’s best goal kicker with a bag of four for PEGS.

Williamstown CYMS held on to a fast-finishing Old Ivanhoe for a five-point Round 1 victory at Fearon reserve. Leading by 17 points at half time, the CYs faced an improved Hoers outfit in the third when they gave up five goals to three before holding on with a further five goals apiece in the fourth. Lachlan Fairley starred in front of goals for CYs with four majors alongside standout performances from Jack Connolly and Jack Noonan. Oscar McIntyre and Sam Keogh were instrumental to the Hoers’ second half comeback, as were teammates Jack Welham and Hamish Matheson who each kicked three goals.

Old Camberwell held on for a thrilling three-point victory over Mazenod in their Round 1 opener at Gordon Barnard Reserve. The Wellers led by 15 points at the last break but four Nodders goal to two in the final term tightened things up. Simon Bennett continued his outstanding form from last year with a BOG display for the Wellers, while Michael Rice was a standout for the Nodders.

Seven goals to five in the final quarter helped Old Mentonians to a hard-fought 13-point victory over Hampton Rovers at Keysborough Playing Fields. The margin never extended beyond three points at any break throughout the day until the Panthers kicked away in the fourth. Billy Chapman and Jasper Dunkley were standouts for the Panthers while Campbell Hetherington top-scored for the Rovers with three majors.

Marcellin proved too strong for Ajax in their Round 1 opener, running out 50-point winners at Marcellin College. It was a blistering start for the Eagles as they kicked nine goals to three in the opening half before the Jackas fought back with five goals to six in the second half. Daniel McMahon starred for the Eagles with five goals to open his 2019 account, while International Rules participant Patrick Howe was given BOG honours. Nathan Cohen kicked three goals and was a standout for the Jackas as they look to recapture winning form following relegation from Premier B last season.